Though only established in 1998, the family behind Bodegas Tradición has a history that traces back to the earliest days of Sherry production. Joaquin Rivero, a descendant of one of the oldest sherry houses, Bodega CZ, began by purchasing and renovating an abandoned bodega in Jerez. To reclaim his family’s traditional heritage of pure and authentic Sherry, a series of older soleras were procured from several historic firms. Specializing exclusively in top quality, traditionally aged Sherries, all of Bodegas Tradicion’s wines(with the exception of the Fino) are aged for at least 20 years. Each one exceptional in its class, all are bottled, labeled, and numbered by hand.… Read the rest

Durand Cornas Empreintes 2011 ($37.95) $26 special
Wine Spectator 91 Points “Dark yet fresh, offering blackberry and mulled black cherry fruit, with vibrant acidity, lively olive and tobacco notes and a good brambly feel through the finish. Best from 2014 through 2023. 1,500 cases made. “

USA-OREGON
Boedecker Pinot Gris 2012 ($15.95) $14.90 special
Wine Advocate 89 points “Boedecker 2012 Pinot Gris – like its Pinot Blanc counterpart under this label, given a day or more of cold soak; vinified in older barriques; and bottled off of its lees in April – is superbly successful.… Read the rest

March 1, 2014

Burgundy
2008 Vintage

For a vintage where vineyards had to face the wrath of Mother Nature, literally fighting to produce any wine, the ultimate success of 2008 Burgundy is all the sweeter. Producers faced multiple challenges in the vineyard in 2008. Though spring began well, with vineyards producing leaves throughout a warm May, summer in Burgundy was nothing short of disastrous. The crucial early-summer flowering in June was dragged out over three weeks with cold and rainy weather. The unfavorable conditions resulted in a natural reduction of yields due to coulure (unfertilized grapes that do not continue to mature), and millerandage (small, seedless berries that lead to uneven bunches). The next six weeks from June to July were plagued with ups and downs in weather. … Read the rest

Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2007 ($349.95) $279 special
Robert Parker 100 points “The perfect 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (tasted on four separate occasions) is composed of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and other authorized varietals from 60- to 100+-year-old vines. The wine is aged in both tank (75%) and small oak barrels (25%). Its inky/purple color is followed by a phenomenal nose of spring flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, boysenberries, licorice, truffles, and spice. Displaying massive body, incredible freshness, laser-like focus from the excellent acids, and a finish that goes on well past a minute, this prodigious Chateauneuf du Pape is the most extraordinary wine yet made at this estate.… Read the rest